Town’s Skating Rink Nearly Complete

After installing a liner for an ice skating rink at Mills Pond Park Wednesday morning, town employees successfully filled the area with water drawn from Little Mills Pond. 

The liner for the roughly 60- by 80-foot rink on one of the tennis courts came in last week but weather and other factors made installation difficult. Even Wednesday, employees battled gusting wind and other challenges. 

Parks and Recreation Director Brian J. Wilson said Wednesday morning that he didn't know exactly how long it would take to install the liner. While he has received much input from area towns with the outdoor rinks, this was Canton's first time installing one. 

"We've got a lot of wrinkles to iron out," Wilson said. 

Despite the wind, however, by 3 p.m. the liner had been installed and the water added. Since the court is not level, Parks Department and Public Works employees may try to fill in some more water on one side of the rink tomorrow. Wilson also has a hose-controlled ice maintenance system to help smooth the ice surface once it freezes. 

Pending enough cold weather the town plans to open the skating area with some rules and hours. Wilson said there will be some night skating, with the area likely to close at 8 p.m. 

Wilson said there are several advantages to the temporary rink, including the visibility of it, ability to lock the tennis court gates and the hesitation of some to skate on Mills Pond. Wilson, however, said the town still plans to monitor the pond, located between the park and , for safe skating. 

For more details, see our earlier post here.